A Eugene man trying to help an elderly woman knocked to the sand when the surf rolled in on the North Jetty Beach at Florence died Sunday when a large log rolled over him, Oregon State Police reported.

Troopers said Ming Hsieh, 58, was not breathing, but an off-duty fireman pulled pulled him to safety and began performing CPR. Hsieh began breathing again, but died on arrival at PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center.

Hsieh was visiting the beach with several family members and was sitting on the sand and leaning against a log pole estimated 40 feet long and 25 inches in diameter, troopers said.

An elderly woman was sitting on the log when a wave knocked her off the log. Troopers said Hsieh was trying to help the older woman when the receding water pushed the log over him.